HC Deb 28 July 1911 vol 28 cc1979-80W
Mr. LANSBURY

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the total number of servants, attendants, and labourers employed by the Office of Works in and about the Houses of Parliament; how many are regularly employed all the year round; what is their fixed rate of pay and numbers of hours worked per day; how many are seasonal men; and how many receive retaining fees for the periods when the House is not sitting?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

Eighty-five persons are employed directly by the Office of Works, all the year round, in the Houses of Parliament Buildings, at rates of pay which range from 65s. (foremen) to 10s. (boys) per week; and the hours of work average from eight to nine a day. The number of hours worked per day by the Ventilating Staff vary; but the men are given time off in lieu of any overtime which may be occasioned by late sittings of the House. In addition, 159 persons are employed through contractors: working the usual hours of their respective trades, and paid the recognised rates current in the district. There are no seasonal men employed and no retaining fees are paid by the Department.